On-the-Job Training Standards

For

Bridge Workers, Roadway Workers in Charge, 

Watchman/Lookouts, Flagmen, and Lone Workers

December 8, 2020
Page 2 of 17

Foreword

The OJT tasks identified below assumes a continuous and ongoing positive conversation between the 

designated instructor / qualified person and trainee. It means enough opportunity for conversational 

feedback before, during, and after any task is undertaken. The purpose of this conversation is to ensure 

learning transfer occurs. Depending on task complexity and learner skill level, most adults gain mastery 

of new skills through practice and repetition. OJT standards provide the basis for measuring mastery of 

new skills in a fair and objective manner. It is understood that many of the tasks below are presented in a 

manner that may suggest non-complying conditions must be present for the trainee to demonstrate 

proficiency. That is not the case and it is for this reason that a positive conversation between teacher and 

learner is encouraged throughout the OJT process.

Please also note that there is no obligation under 49 CFR Part 243 for employers to train safety-related 

railroad employees on skills they will never apply in connection with their duties. For example, if an 

employee will not be required to perform duties in passenger service, no training on those tasks is 

required. 
Page 3 of 17

On-the-Job Training Roles and Responsibilities – Example Template

1. The designated instructor serves as the overall coordinator of the specific OJT program and is 

primarily responsible for:

• Acting as the principal point of contact for the process, and ensuring the process is properly 

implemented. 

• Ensuring that all trainees and qualified persons involved in the OJT process have received hard 

copies of the OJT program or electronic copies of the checklist.

• Providing guidance to both the trainee and qualified person in the process once they have received 

the OJT program.

• Ensuring that trainees have access to all the supporting publications listed in this OJT program. 

• Ensuring the trainee has successfully completed all safety-related tasks to become a qualified 

member of an occupational category or subcategory.

2. The qualified person (sometimes referred to as a peer trainer) may serve as the mentor/coach for 

trainees. The qualified person must be qualified and has a duty to communicate with the trainees to 

ensure OJT is properly administered throughout the process. The qualified person will also provide 

daily briefings at the beginning and end of each day regarding the specific tasks focused on during that 

day. The trainee may perform OJT under the direct onsite observation of any qualified person, 

provided the qualified person has been advised of the circumstances and is capable of intervening if an 

unsafe act or noncompliance with Federal railroad safety laws, regulations, or orders is observed. 

However, the trainee must demonstrate OJT proficiency to the satisfaction of the designated 

instructor to become a qualified member of an occupational category or subcategory. A 

designated instructor and qualified person can be the same person. 

3. The trainee (new hire) has the responsibility to pay close attention to the qualified person providing 

OJT, and to take advantage of the knowledge and experience he or she has to offer. Tracking progress 

of the OJT is essential and is the trainee’s responsibility. Trainees should be aware of, and abide by, 

the following:

• The designated instructor and/or qualified person will provide practical information and advice on 

the requirements and responsibilities of assigned duties.

• Trainees are responsible for completing any narrative and self-study assignments outside the scope 

of this OJT program. Additional assignments are an integral part of the training experience and 

must be completed before being deemed qualified by the employer. 

• To gain the maximum benefit from the OJT experience, trainees should:

o Remain alert and involved in the training activities. 

o Ask questions and learn from feedback. 

o Take notes and apply previous lessons. 

o Complete all required assignments. 

o Become familiar with and comply with FRA regulations, railroad safety rules, and other 

procedures mandated as a condition of employment by the employer.
Page 4 of 17

o Develop and maintain a learning attitude.

• The OJT experience is designed to be much more than following a qualified person around and 

watching what he or she does. Trainees must take an active role in the OJT and thoroughly engage 

in the various job tasks outlined in this OJT program.

• Expect the qualified person to say, “Here, you give it a try.” Remember, while progressing 

through the OJT program, trainees can learn skills, to develop knowledge, and to adopt work habits 

and routines that will last throughout a railroad career. 

• Tracking and documenting OJT progress is an essential process step. 

Guidelines for On-the-Job Training Program Coordination and Administration

In most cases, the first week or so of employment will involve administrative details and an overall 

orientation. Although it is understood that a trainee’s duties may overlap with other organizational 

requirements, each day of OJT should focus on one of the major duties of the OJT program to the extent 

possible. Once the tasks have been selected, there should be both an initial briefing on the tasks to be 

completed at the beginning and end of each day. 

• The purpose of the debriefing is to go through the day’s activities, and to focus on each of the tasks 

associated with the task selected. 

• There is no required sequential order for completing the OJT associated with any task, and no 

attempt is made to prioritize any tasks. Although OJT should be focused on a task, it is anticipated 

that the task standards will be accomplished based on available training opportunities.

Important Note: Although OJT is a critical aspect of 49 CFR Part 243, FRA will consider, on a case by 

case basis, alternate approaches to OJT in lieu of the traditional approach (see 49 CFR § 243.5- On-the-job 

training). For example, some employers or training organizations may have access to state of the art 

indoor/outdoor training facilities that permit students to practice tasks that require neuromuscular 

coordination to learn in a controlled environment with minimal or no risk of personal injury. Other 

approaches may include; classroom practical exercises, role play, lab simulation, virtual reality (VR), and 

other emerging technologies. While FRA does encourage alternate approaches to OJT to lessen the risk 

of personal injury exposure to students, enough detail must be included in the submission and satisfy the 

regulatory requirements of 49 CFR § 243.101(d) (1-3). 
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Task X: Discuss Roadway Workplace Safety – Definitions.....................................................................6

Task X: Apply Bridge Worker Safety – Safe Climbing Techniques.......................................................7

Task X: Apply Bridge Worker Safety – Fall Arrest Systems / Inspection, Fitting and Installation of 

Body Harness, and Storage ..........................................................................................................................7

Task X: Apply Bridge Worker Safety – Fall Arrest Systems / Selection................................................8

Task X: Apply Bridge Worker Safety – Working Over or Adjacent to Water .....................................9

Task X: Apply Bridge Worker Safety – Rescue Operations..................................................................10

Task X: Apply Roadway Worker Protection – Supervision and Communication..............................11

Task X: Apply Roadway Worker Protection – Working Limits / Exclusive Track Occupancy........12

Task X: Apply Roadway Worker Protection – Working Limits / Foul Time......................................13

Task X: Apply Roadway Worker Protection – Working Limits / Train Coordination......................14

Task X: Apply Roadway Worker Protection – Working Limits / Inaccessible Track........................15

Task X: Apply Roadway Worker Protection – Working Limits / Train Approach Warning ...........16

Task X: Apply Roadway Worker Protection – Adjacent Tracks..........................................................17

Task X: Apply Roadway Worker Protection – Lone Worker...............................................................17
Page 6 of 17

Task X: Discuss Roadway Workplace Safety – Definitions

Performance

Tasks

Conditions

Tools, Equipment, Documents, Practice

Standards

Time, Completeness, or Accuracy

Task X-X: Demonstrate an 

understanding of Roadway 

Workplace Safety 

definitions.

Note: Trainee is not 

required to demonstrate 

competency on definitions 

that are not applicable to the 

employer. For example: if 

no railroad bridges exist on 

the railroad, the trainee may 

bypass all definitions related 

to bridge worker safety. 

Given an opportunity to read 49 CFR §§ 

214.7 and 214.336, or its equivalent, and 

at least one oral briefing by the 

designated instructor or qualified person, 

the trainee will, to the satisfaction of the 

designated instructor or qualified person:

Explain with 100 accuracy, the meaning for each of the following on 

three separate occasions:

 Adjacent track.

 Adjacent controlled

 Anchorage.

 Body belt.

 Body harness.

 Controlled track. 

 Controlled point.

 Deceleration device.

 Definite train location.

 Designated official.

 Effective securing device.

 Exclusive Track Occupancy.

 Flagman.

 Foul time.

 Fouling a track.

 Free fall distance

 Inaccessible Track.

 Individual train detection

 Informational lineup of trains.

 Inter-track barrier

 Interlocking manual.

 Lanyard

 Lifeline.

 Lone worker.

 Maximum authorized speed.

 Minor correction

 Non-controlled track.

 Occupied track

 On-track Safety

 On-track safety manual

 Personal fall arrest system.

 Qualified.

 Railroad bridge.

 Railroad bridge worker.

 Restricted speed.

 Roadway worker.

 Roadway worker in charge

 Self-retracting lifeline.

 Train approach warning.

 Train coordination.

 Watchman/lookout.

 Working limits.
Page 7 of 17

Task X: Apply Bridge Worker Safety – Safe Climbing Techniques

Performance

Tasks

Conditions

Tools, Equipment, Documents, Practice

Standards

Time, Completeness, or Accuracy

Task X-X: Demonstrate an 

understanding of Bridge 

Worker Safety.

Note: This task applies only 

if the exemption from use of 

fall protection is being 

utilized, and when the 

trainee will be designated/

qualified by the track owner 

as a “bridge inspector.” 

Given an opportunity to read 49 CFR §

214.103, or its equivalent, and at least one 

oral briefing by the designated instructor 

or qualified person, the trainee will, to the 

satisfaction of the designated instructor or 

qualified person:

Demonstrate with 100 percent accuracy, on three separate occasions, 

the ability to: 

 Execute safe climbing techniques on all bridge structures in 

accordance with the employer’s policies and procedures while 

moving on or about the bridge or observing, measuring and 

recording the dimensions and condition of the bridge and its 

components.

Task X: Apply Bridge Worker Safety – Fall Arrest Systems / Inspection, Fitting and Installation of Body Harness, and Storage 

Performance

Tasks

Conditions

Tools, Equipment, Documents, Practice

Standards

Time, Completeness, or Accuracy

Task X-X: Demonstrate an 

understanding of Bridge 

Worker Safety.

Given an opportunity to read 49 CFR § 

214.105, or its equivalent, and at least one 

oral briefing by the designated instructor 

or qualified person, the trainee will, to the 

satisfaction of the designated instructor or 

qualified person:

Demonstrate with 100 percent accuracy, on three separate occasions, 

the ability to: 

 Inspect personal fall arrest system and all associated components 

for wear, damage, corrosion, mildew, and other deterioration.

 Apply a body harness and ensure proper fit-up.

 Verify the attachment point of the body harness is located in the 

center of the wearer's back near shoulder level, or above the 

wearer's head. 

 Store fall arrest systems properly. 
Page 8 of 17

Task X: Apply Bridge Worker Safety – Fall Arrest Systems / Selection

Performance

Tasks

Conditions

Tools, Equipment, Documents, Practice

Standards

Time, Completeness, or Accuracy

Task X-X: Demonstrate an 

understanding of Bridge 

Worker Safety.

Based on a given bridge scenario(s), and 

an opportunity to read 49 CFR § 214.105, 

or its equivalent, and at least one oral 

briefing by the designated instructor or 

qualified person, the trainee will, to the 

satisfaction of the designated instructor or 

qualified person:

Demonstrate with 100 percent accuracy, on three separate occasions, 

the ability to: 

 Choose appropriate fall arrest system components based on the 

scenario. 

 Ensure proper hook-up, anchoring, and tie-off techniques based 

on the scenario.

 Calculate the free fall distance and the clearance distance to the 

ground or any horizontal surface of the bridge (repeat as often as 

necessary to ensure comprehension). 

 If vertical lifelines are required, verify a separate lifeline is 

provided for each bridge worker. 

 Verify that any device used to connect to a horizontal lifeline that 

may become a vertical lifeline, is capable of locking in either 

direction.

 Verify snap hooks are not connected to each other and 

dimensionally compatible with the member to which they are 

connected to prevent unintentional disengagement or designed 

with a locking snap-hook to prevent unintentional disengagement.
Page 9 of 17

Task X: Apply Bridge Worker Safety – Working Over or Adjacent to Water

Performance

Tasks

Conditions

Tools, Equipment, Documents, Practice

Standards

Time, Completeness, or Accuracy

Task X-X: Demonstrate an 

understanding of Bridge 

Worker Safety in areas with 

water.

Note: The subtasks listed 

here are very general and 

should not necessarily be 

considered a complete list of 

duties to address in training. 

Based on a given bridge scenario, and an 

opportunity to read 49 CFR § 214.107, or 

its equivalent, and at least one oral 

briefing by the designated instructor or 

qualified person, the trainee will, to the 

satisfaction of the designated instructor or 

qualified person:

With 100 percent accuracy, discuss the purpose of each safety device 

listed below:

 Life or buoyant work vests. 

 Life preservers.

 Ring buoys with at least 90 feet of line.

 Distance between ring buoys.

 One inflatable boat or skiff (when required or manned under 

certain conditions).
Page 10 of 17

Task X: Apply Bridge Worker Safety – Rescue Operations 

Performance

Tasks

Conditions

Tools, Equipment, Documents, Practice

Standards

Time, Completeness, or Accuracy

Task X-X: Demonstrate an 

understanding of Bridge 

Worker Safety in connection 

with rescue operations.

Note: Employers have a 

duty to provide training 

(including OJT) to 

employees that have been 

designated and/or assigned 

to rescue operations. The 

training associated with 

these duties should be 

tailored for the operation 

and environmental 

conditions that exist at a 

specific location. 

Given an opportunity to read 49 CFR § 

214.105(a) (6), or its equivalent, and at 

least one oral briefing by the designated 

instructor or qualified person, the trainee 

will, to the satisfaction of the designated 

instructor or qualified person:

Demonstrate with 100 percent accuracy, set up and use of each safety 

device listed below:

 Various rescue equipment in accordance with the employer’s 

policies and procedures.
Page 11 of 17

Task X: Apply Roadway Worker Protection – Supervision and Communication 

Performance

Tasks

Conditions

Tools, Equipment, Documents, Practice

Standards

Time, Completeness, or Accuracy

Task X-X: Demonstrate an 

understanding of Roadway 

Worker Protection, on-track 

Safety briefing. 

Note 1: This task is typically 

performed by a person 

designated by the employer as 

the roadway worker in charge. 

Lone workers are also entitled 

to on-track safety briefings. 

Lone workers have a duty to 

communicate their planned 

itinerary and the procedures 

they intend to use for on-track 

safety at the beginning of each 

duty period with a supervisor 

or another designated 

employee. 

Note 2: Roadway worker in 

charge means a roadway 

worker who is qualified under 

49 CFR § 214.353 to establish 

on-track safety for roadway 

work groups, and lone workers 

qualified under 49 CFR § 

214.347 to establish on-track 

safety for themselves.

Given an opportunity to read 49 CFR § 

214.315, or its equivalent, and at least one 

oral briefing by the designated instructor 

or qualified person, the trainee will, to the 

satisfaction of the designated instructor or 

qualified person:

Demonstrate with 100 percent accuracy, on three separate occasions, 

the ability to conduct a simulated or real time On-track Safety 

briefing that involves each of the following elements:

 Information on the means by which on-track safety is to be 

provided for each track identified to be fouled and repeated each 

time conditions change.

 Instruction on each on-track safety procedure to be followed and

repeated each time conditions change.

 Information about any adjacent tracks, on-track safety for such 

tracks, if required by this subpart or deemed necessary by the 

roadway worker in charge, and identification of any roadway 

maintenance machines that will foul such tracks.

 A discussion of the nature of the work to be performed and the 

characteristics of the work location to ensure compliance.

 Information on the accessibility of the roadway worker in charge 

and alternative procedures in the event the roadway worker in 

charge is no longer accessible to the members of the roadway 

work group.

 Confirmation from each roadway worker that on-track procedures 

are understood.

Note 3: On-track safety means a state of freedom from the danger of 

being struck by a moving railroad train or other railroad equipment, 

provided by operating and safety rules that govern track occupancy by 

personnel, trains and on-track equipment.
Page 12 of 17

Task X: Apply Roadway Worker Protection – Working Limits / Exclusive Track Occupancy 

Performance

Tasks

Conditions

Tools, Equipment, Documents, Practice

Standards

Time, Completeness, or Accuracy

Task X-X: Demonstrate an 

understanding of Roadway 

Worker Protection, 

establishing working limits. 

Note 1: This task is performed 

under the direction of a 

roadway worker in charge. 

Persons assigned as flagmen 

must also complete this task.

Note 2: Working limits means 

a segment of track with definite 

boundaries established in 

accordance with 49 CFR Part 

214 upon which trains and 

engines may move only as 

authorized by the roadway 

worker having control over that 

defined segment of track. 

Working limits may be 

established through exclusive 

track occupancy, inaccessible 

track, foul time or train 

coordination as defined herein

Given an opportunity to read 49 CFR §§

214.319, 214.321 and 214.322, or its 

equivalent, and at least one oral briefing 

by the designated instructor or qualified 

person, the trainee will, to the satisfaction 

of the designated instructor or qualified 

person:

Demonstrate with 100 percent accuracy, on three separate occasions, 

the ability to establish working limits on controlled track through the 

use of exclusive track occupancy for roadway workers by:

 Communicating with dispatcher/control operator or designate a flagman 

at the entrance to the track or cause fixed signals at each entrance to the 

working limits to display an aspect indicating “Stop.” 

 Creating a written document of the verbal authority as received or use a 

digital system (electronic display if available).

 Orally repeating the authority from the dispatcher/control operator.

 Directing train and/or roadway maintenance machine movements via 

verbal communication within the working limits1

.

If possible, establish working limits through the use of exclusive track 

occupancy for roadway workers behind designated trains moving 

through the same limits after the train(s) have passed the point to be 

occupied or fouled by:

 Visually identifying the affected trains(s); or

 Direct radio contact with a crew member of the affected train(s); or

 Receiving information about the affected train from the train dispatcher 

or control operator.

Note 3: Exclusive track occupancy means a method of establishing 

working limits on controlled track in which movement authority of 

trains and other equipment is withheld by the train dispatcher or 

control operator, or restricted by flagmen, as prescribed in 49 CFR § 

214.321.

1 Movements of trains and roadway maintenance machines within working limits established through exclusive track occupancy shall be made only 

under the direction of the roadway worker in charge of the working limits. Such movements shall be at restricted speed unless a higher authorized 

speed has been specifically authorized by the roadway worker in charge of the working limits.
Page 13 of 17

Task X: Apply Roadway Worker Protection – Working Limits / Foul Time 

Performance

Tasks

Conditions

Tools, Equipment, Documents, Practice

Standards

Time, Completeness, or Accuracy

Task X-X: Demonstrate an 

understanding of Roadway 

Worker Protection, 

establishing working limits. 

Note: This task is 

performed under the 

direction of a roadway 

worker in charge. 

Given an opportunity to read 49 CFR §§ 

214.319 and 214.323, or its equivalent, 

and at least one oral briefing by the 

designated instructor or qualified person, 

the trainee will, to the satisfaction of the 

designated instructor or qualified person:

Demonstrate with 100 percent accuracy, on three separate occasions, 

the ability to establish working limits on controlled track through the 

use of foul time for roadway workers by:

 Orally repeating the directive received from the dispatcher/control 

operator to include the track number or identifier, track limits and 

time limits of the foul time.

 Releasing foul time with the dispatcher/control operator. 

Note: Foul time is a method of establishing working limits on 

controlled track in which a roadway worker is notified by the train 

dispatcher or control operator that no trains will operate within a 

specific segment of controlled track until the roadway worker reports 

clear of the track, as prescribed in 49 CFR § 214.323.
Page 14 of 17

Task X: Apply Roadway Worker Protection – Working Limits / Train Coordination 

Performance

Tasks

Conditions

Tools, Equipment, Documents, Practice

Standards

Time, Completeness, or Accuracy

Task X-X: Demonstrate an 

understanding of Roadway 

Worker Protection, 

establishing working limits. 

Note: This task is 

performed under the 

direction of a roadway 

worker in charge. 

Given an opportunity to read 49 CFR §§ 

214.319 and 214.325, or its equivalent, 

and at least one oral briefing by the 

designated instructor or qualified person, 

the trainee will, to the satisfaction of the 

designated instructor or qualified person:

Demonstrate with 100 percent accuracy, on three separate occasions, 

the ability to establish working limits on controlled track through the 

use of train coordination for roadway workers by:

 Initiating communication with a member of a train crew from a 

train which holds exclusive authority to operate within segments of 

track or tracks.

 Verify train is visible to the roadway worker who is establishing 

working limits.

 Verify train is stopped.

 Directing train movement through working limits. 

 Release working limits to the train crew. 

Note: Train coordination means a method of establishing working 

limits on track upon which a train holds exclusive authority to move 

whereby the crew of that train yields that authority to a roadway 

worker.
Page 15 of 17

Task X: Apply Roadway Worker Protection – Working Limits / Inaccessible Track 

Performance

Tasks

Conditions

Tools, Equipment, Documents, Practice

Standards

Time, Completeness, or Accuracy

Task X-X: Demonstrate an 

understanding of Roadway 

Worker Protection, 

establishing working limits. 

Note: This task is 

performed under the 

direction of a roadway 

worker in charge. Persons 

assigned as flagmen must also 

complete this task.

Given an opportunity to read 49 CFR §§ 

214.319 and 214.327, or its equivalent, 

and at least one oral briefing by the 

designated instructor or qualified person, 

the trainee will, to the satisfaction of the 

designated instructor or qualified person:

Demonstrate with 100 percent accuracy, on three separate occasions, 

the ability to establish working limits on non-controlled track by 

rendering the track within working limits physically inaccessible to 

trains at each possible point of entry by:

 Lining and locking a switch or derail with an effective locking 

device to prevent access through the working limits. 

 Configure a rail to prevent access through the working limits.

 Communicate/coordinate with a train crew to place/use static 

rolling equipment to prevent access to the working limits. 
Page 16 of 17

Task X: Apply Roadway Worker Protection – On-Track Safety / Train Approach Warning 

Performance

Tasks

Conditions

Tools, Equipment, Documents, Practice

Standards

Time, Completeness, or Accuracy

Task X-X: Demonstrate an 

understanding of Roadway 

Worker Protection, 

establishing on-track safety. 

Note: This task is 

performed under the 

direction of 

watchmen/lookouts.

Given an opportunity to read 49 CFR §§ 

214.319 and 214.329, or its equivalent, 

and at least one oral briefing by the 

designated instructor or qualified person, 

the trainee will, to the satisfaction of the 

designated instructor or qualified person:

Demonstrate with 100 percent accuracy, on three separate occasions, 

the ability to establish on-track safety using train approach warning 

provided by watchmen/lookouts by:

 Determine if TAW can be safely used.

 Focusing attention to watchman/lookout assignment given.

 Providing roadway workers, no less than 15 seconds notice of 

a train approaching at maximum authorized speed so that 

workers can occupy a previously arranged place of safety. 

 Using effective and distinctive communication means to notify 

roadway workers of an approach train or other on-track 

equipment.

Note: Place of safety to be occupied upon the approach of a train may 

not be on a track, unless working limits are established on that track.
Page 17 of 17

Task X: Apply Roadway Worker Protection – Adjacent Tracks 

Performance

Tasks

Conditions

Tools, Equipment, Documents, Practice

Standards

Time, Completeness, or Accuracy

Task X-X: Demonstrate an 

understanding of Roadway 

Worker Protection, 

establishing working limits. 

Note: This task is 

performed under the 

direction of a roadway 

worker in charge. 

Given an opportunity to read 49 CFR § 

214.336, or its equivalent, and at least one

oral briefing by the designated instructor 

or qualified person, the trainee will, to the 

satisfaction of the designated instructor or 

qualified person:

Demonstrate with 100 percent accuracy, on three separate occasions, 

on-track safety procedures for roadway workgroup and adjacent track 

by: 

Task X: Apply Roadway Worker Protection – Lone Worker 

Performance

Tasks

Conditions

Tools, Equipment, Documents, Practice

Standards

Time, Completeness, or Accuracy

Task X-X: Demonstrate an 

understanding of Roadway 

Worker Protection, 

establishing on-track safety. 

Given an opportunity to read 49 CFR § 

214.337, or its equivalent, and at least one 

oral briefing by the designated instructor 

or qualified person, the trainee will, to the 

satisfaction of the designated instructor or 

qualified person:

Demonstrate with 100 percent accuracy, on three separate occasions, 

complete a statement of On-track Safety that includes the following 

information:

 Working limits.

 Date and time.

 Maximum authorized speed of trains within the limits.

 Sight distance warning required for approaching trains.